Although horsepeople have been using the new barns at Red Shores’ Charlottetown Driving Park for a couple of months now, an official opening for the structures took place this past weekend.

“This new stabling is a much healthier environment for our horses and the people who work with them,” said Colleen Dickie, chair of the P.E.I. Standardbred Horse Owners Association. “On behalf of the Prince Edward Island Standardbred Horse Owners Association, I want to express our appreciation to the federal and provincial governments and all our funding partners for their support.”

As a report by The Guardian explains, the province’s minister of fisheries and oceans, Gail Shea, was at the event on behalf of minister of state Rob Moore.

“The PEI Standardbred Horse Owners Association has worked hard to modernize these facilities for its members,” said Shea. “Our government’s contribution to this project is generating positive economic spin-offs through community, industry, and business building, as well as tourism benefits, contributing to growth and long-term prosperity in Prince Edward Island.”

(With files from The Guardian)